Adams, MA
Population 5,584 · Massachusetts
About Adams, MA
Adams is a small town located in Massachusetts with a population of 5,584 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,750 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.9 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Adams features a median home value of $189,100, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Adams in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $909, 22% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,294 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (1,628 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (1,342 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Adams shows an unemployment rate of 5.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 17.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Adams have an average one-way commute time of 25.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
26.0% of Adams residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 3.4% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Adams Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Adams, MA
Compared to national averages, Adams has a median household income of $48,750 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $189,100, which is 23% below the national median. Monthly rent at $909 is 22% below the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Adams's income is 54% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 66% below the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Adams, MA?
Adams offers affordable housing with a median home value of $189,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $909/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,750) that falls below the national average. However, Adams’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Adams has a population of 5,584 with a median age of 47.9 years. Compare Adams with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Adams
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxford | 5,572 | $91,742 | $327,300 | Compare |
| Scituate | 5,602 | $126,379 | $699,200 | Compare |
| Spencer | 5,520 | $59,618 | $297,700 | Compare |
| Bliss Corner | 5,666 | $73,919 | $430,700 | Compare |
| East Harwich | 5,670 | $108,157 | $585,400 | Compare |
| Ware | 5,723 | $52,039 | $229,700 | Compare |
| Salisbury | 5,735 | $93,052 | $441,500 | Compare |
| Hingham | 5,343 | $222,696 | $1,216,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Adams With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Adams
What is the population of Adams, MA?
The population of Adams, MA is 5,584 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Massachusetts.
What is the median household income in Adams?
The median household income in Adams, MA is $48,750 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Adams?
The median home value in Adams, MA is $189,100, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Adams?
The median monthly rent in Adams, MA is $909, which is 22% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Adams?
The unemployment rate in Adams, MA is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Adams, MA a good place to live?
Adams offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,584 and a median age of 47.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Adams, MA?
26.0% of residents in Adams aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Adams?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Adams, MA: median home value is $189,100 (23% below national), median rent is $909/month, and median household income is $48,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Adams?
The poverty rate in Adams, MA is 17.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Adams, MA?
Adams's population is 0.0% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 3.4% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 2.4% of residents are foreign-born.